Dutch legend Ronald Koeman set to become new Southampton boss

Ronald Koeman

Dutch legend Ronald Koeman have finalised negotiations with Southampton and is expected to take over the managerial reigns at St. Mary’s stadium.

After the departure of Southampton’s former coach Mauricio Pocchettino to Tottenham Hotspur, the Saints have identified the former Feyenoord boss as the perfect replacement to help them continue their dream run in the Premier League.

The 51-year old Dutchman left his job at Feyenoord after guiding them to second place in Eredivisie last season. Ronald’s representative Guido Albers said, “He (Ronald) wants to make a next step in his career at an ambitious club with possibilities. Southampton fits in that profile. Pochettino made a solid base and Ronald is the ideal candidate to build the squad from there.”

Also, his brother Edwin Koeman is likely to be appointed as his deputy at Southampton while Ronald’s fitness coach at Feyenoord, Jan Kluitenburg, is also expected to join him in his role in England.

Ronald Koeman has an uphill task at Southampton as their key players are being pursued by other big clubs. While striker Rickie Lambert has already left the Saints for Liverpool, other stars like Adam Lallana, Luke Shaw and Dejan Lovren are also on the verge of moves away from St. Mary’s.

Koeman is also known for his attacking style of football and breeding the young talents like Bruno Martins Indi, Stefan de Vrij and Jordie Clasie which are also the integral principles being followed at Southampton.

He started his managerial career as an assistant to Guus Hiddink for the Netherlands squad in the 1998 World Cup and rose to the position of a manager for Vittesse in 2000. Thereafter, he has managed a string of clubs including Ajax, Benfica, PSV Eindhoven and Feyenoord. 

In his 14-year managerial career, Koeman has won Dutch titles with Ajax and PSV Eindhoven as well as the Cope del Rey at Valencia.